This course is designed to provide students with basic knowledge about communication theory and practice. It creates an awareness of the role communication plays in our interpersonal relationships. Students will be introduced to basic models, definitions, and approaches to interpersonal communication. Some areas presented include perception, self-concept, self-disclosure, conflict, verbal and nonverbal communication, and ways for improving communication competence. Credits: 3

COMN 107 : Foundations of Media Writing

This course presents the basics of writing for news and public relations which may be delivered by print, radio, television, internet or other electronic media. This is the foundation and prerequisite for other Communication courses which requires students to design, develop and produce messages for print and electronic delivery. Credits: 3

COMN 160 : S/Intro to Mass Communication

This course is designed to survey mass communication in both historical and contemporary contexts. Students are introduced to the broad function of mass media, as well as the specific function of each medium. The roles of technology and the impact of mass communication on society and individuals are also explored. Credits: 3

COMN 188 : Experimental:

Credits: 0-6

COMN 199 : Directed Study

With faculty approval, may be arranged on an individual 100-level basis. Students work individually under the supervision of a faculty member on a research-oriented project. Offered by individual arrangement Credits: 1-6

COMN 200 : Theory & Prac-Public Relations

This course is designed to introduce the student to the principles of public relations. It includes analyses of methods of building good will and obtaining publicity, and processes of influencing public opinion. Communications media are studied as utilized in contemporary public relations programs. Offered every year Credits: 3

COMN 201 : Coping with Speech Anxiety

The course provides students with a perspective on a widespread problem in our society -- communication apprehension. Course content focuses on the diagnosis of the level and type of communication apprehension, and the examination of major effects of chronic reticence. As students prepare oral presentations for a variety of communication contexts, methods and skills training, including systematic desensitization and cognitive restructuring, will be individualized to assist them in overcoming their speech anxiety. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Offered not on a regular basis Credits: 3

COMN 203 : Professional Public Speaking

Building on the theories and principles introduced in COMN 102, this intermediate course facilitates the continued development of oral communication competency. Course content underscores an audience-centered approach to public address. Topics include organizing speeches for specialized and professional contexts of public address, voice and diction, the proper use of technology to support presentations, critical listening, and understanding/managing communication apprehension. Assignments are tailored to meet the career needs of individual students. Prerequisites: COMN 102. Offered every other year Credits: 3

COMN 207 : WritingforBusiness&Professions

This course focuses on traditional and contemporary methods of written business communication. There is practical application of strategies for composing, organizing, and editing content for targeted audiences. Approaches may include collaborative and web-based writing. Students who are required to take INTD 205 may not take this course. Not offered on a regular basis
Credits: 3

COMN 211 : Discussion & Group Dynamics

This course provides students with theoretical knowledge of small group interaction and decision-making and the opportunity to practice skills that can be applied in small group situations. Group activities and projects promote experimental learning in topic areas such as leadership, cohesion, commitment, deviance, conformity, decision-making, and task functions. Critical evaluation of group processes occurs throughout the semester. Offered every year Credits: 3

COMN 212 : Theory & Practice of Argument

Analysis of forms of reasoning, use of evidence, and style and development of argument, with an emphasis on the relationship between the argument field (law, business, science, politics, etc.) and the different standards for reasoning and evidence. Students will analyze actual arguments and will construct their own arguments. Offered fall, odd years Credits: 3

COMN 213 : Persuasion & Social Influence

This course focuses on a variety of theories and applications of persuasive communication. Persuasion is treated as communication which affects how people think, feel, and act toward some group, object, or idea. Students examine both social scientific and humanistic theories of persuasion, and apply these theories in written and oral assignments. Offered spring, odd years Credits: 3

COMN 215 : American Public Address

The course is designed to introduce students to selected speeches and speakers of significance in United States history. Students will analyze speeches from different historical eras, focusing on the manner in which ideas are made manifest through language, and the impact that such speeches have had and continue to have on life in the United States. Offered every third semester Credits: 3

COMN 248 : Perspectives-Organizatnl Comm

This is a survey course of theoretical approaches to communication behavior in organizations. The basic foundations of organizational communication theory, methods, and practices are introduced and related to organizational life. The course addresses the problems and paradoxes of organizational communication and the changing features of organizational life. Case studies will highlight practical applications of the theories to organizational experiences. Offered every year Credits: 3

COMN 251 : Mass Media & Society

This course assesses the evolving and dynamic relationship between mass media and society. Particular attention is paid to how mass mediated messages can define social and cultural realities and the interplay of social influences on these messages. By applying theoretical concepts, students critically examine how mass media function in various contexts, from local communities, national industries and politics, to global systems. Current and past research perspectives are discussed and analyzed. Prerequisites: COMN 160. Offered every fall Credits: 3

COMN 253 : Media Advertising

A course examining traditional and contemporary principles, practices, and techniques applied to the design and dissemination of advocacy messages. Covers strategies, tactics, media planning, processes, message construction and best professional practices in today's environment of integrated marketing communications. Prerequisites: COMN 107. Offered every year Credits: 3

COMN 266 : Radio Production

A study, through practical application, of the devices and techniques employed in modern radio. Students use the facilities of campus radio station WGSU-FM. Offered every fall Credits: 3

COMN 267 : Television Production

A study, through practical application, designed to introduce students to the technical and aesthetic elements involved in the production of multi-camera live studio television and single-camera television field production. Offered every fall Credits: 0-3

COMN 275 : News & Specialized Writing:

This course focuses on improving basic reporting and writing skills, crafting in-depth news reports, and exposing students to other types of journalistic writing. May be taken more than one time under different subtitles. Prerequisites: COMN 107. Offered not on a regular basis Credits: 3

COMN 277 : Online Journalism

Delivering news and other information through online media uses a powerful communication tool. This course focuses on interactive cyber journalism and how it complements the traditional media. Student journalists will use new media to communicate in quick, interactive, informative and informal settings while continuing to uphold journalistic standards. Prerequisites: COMN 107. Offered every third semester Credits: 3

COMN 280 : Electronic Media Practicum

A laboratory experience in one of the following areas of electronic media: 1) radio production, 2) television production, 3) radio news, 4) television news, 5) radio management, 6) television management, and 7) radio performance. May be taken six times, not to exceed one credit hour per semester. A maximum of two credits is allowed in a single area. Graded on an S/U basis. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Offered every year Credits: 1

COMN 288 : Experimental:

Credits: 2-4

COMN 299 : Directed Study

With faculty approval, may be arranged on an individual 200-level basis. Students work individually under the supervision of a faculty member on a research-oriented project. Offered by individual arrangement Credits: 1-6

COMN 317 : Intercultural Communication

The purpose of the course is to provide the student with the theoretical and practical tools necessary to understand and attribute meaning to communicative behaviors during the process of intercultural communication. Discussions will focus on how culture influences the communication process and how cultural variations play a role in the process of communication. Prerequisites: COMN 103. Offered every other year Credits: 3

COMN 341 : Public Relations Case Problems

Analysis and composition of case studies based upon typical public relations problems in industry, labor, education, government, social welfare, and trade associations. Specific consideration will be given to the planning and preparation of communication materials for various media and application of public relations techniques. Prerequisites: COMN 200 or permission of instructor. Offered every spring Credits: 3

COMN 345 : Theories of Interpersonal Comm

This course explores theories that attempt to explain person to person interactions. Individual and dyadic variables affecting the development, maintenance, and dissolution of different types of relationships will be addressed. Topic areas, such as attributions, social exchange and equity, attraction, intimacy/affiliation and power/dominance, will be discussed in terms of current research findings. Prerequisites: COMN 103 or permission of instructor. Offered every fall Credits: 3

COMN 346 : Conflict,Negotiation&Mediation

This course focuses on the nature of conflict in a variety of relational contexts. A combination of theory and application assists students in mastering skills of dispute resolution and management of conflict. Special emphasis is placed on analyzing and understanding conflict in our lives. Case studies and simulations facilitate the learning of strategies and tactics used in the processes of bargaining, negotiation and mediation. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing or permission of instructor. Offered every year Credits: 3

COMN 349 : Adv Issues-Personal &ProfComm:

This course focuses on a topic or related group of topics relevant to personal and professional communication. Personal and professional communication research will be applied and discussed. The course integrates both theories and practical applications. May be taken more than one time but only under different subtitles. Prerequisites: Completion of all Required Courses in the Personal and Professioinal Communication track (i.e., COMN 102, COMN 103, COMN 160, COMN 248) or permission of the instructor. Offered every year Credits: 3

COMN 353 : Advertising as Social Communtn

An investigation of contemporary advertising as a form of global mass persuasion. The course examines what advertising is as a communication form, its impact on society, how it is shaped and regulated by the social context in which it occurs, and conceptual guidelines for its evaluation. Since the course assumes a critical approach, the interrelationship of advertising with social norms, constraints, and values is examined. Prerequisites: COMN 102, COMN 103, and COMN 160, or permission of instructor. Offered every other year Credits: 3

COMN 355 : Contemp Prob-Freedom of Speech

An examination of the major philosophical and legal perspectives on freedom of speech in the United States under the First Amendment. Emphasis may be placed on selected landmark cases with regard to current First Amendment issues. Offered once every two years Credits: 3

COMN 362 : International Mass Communicatn

This course explores the role of mass communication in an increasingly interdependent, globalized world. Through selected case studies, national systems of mass media found in various parts of the world are compared and analyzed. Issues that transcend geo-political boundaries are also examined. These include globalization of media industry and cultural products, inequality in the flow of information, media influences on identity formation across different cultures, and media portrayals of war and peace. Prerequisites: COMN 160. Offered every year Credits: 3

COMN 363 : Advanced Television Production

An in-depth study of the production process for video in broadcast and non-broadcast applications. The course explores the implementation of advanced studio and field production technology and techniques in the creation of educational, corporate, and broadcast television and video through practical application. Prerequisites: COMN 267. Offered once every two years Credits: 0-3

COMN 366 : Mass Media Management

An examination of the organizational, operational, and legal responsibilities involved in the management of electronic and print-based mass media. The interaction of format with programming, promotions, and distribution in market positioning is given special attention. Prerequisites: COMN 160. Offered once every two year Credits: 3

COMN 367 : Television News

An in-depth examination of television news reporting techniques. Students cover events and issues either on campus or in the surrounding community and create television news packages. Legal issues such as libel, slander, and shield laws are also examined as they relate to television news reportage. Prerequisites: COMN 107 and COMN 267. Offered once every two years Credits: 3

COMN 368 : Research in Media&Cultural St

This course explores and applies selected textual, qualitative and critical perspectives in media studies, as well as an overview of major trends and developments in contemporary research in this area. Research methods in media and cultural studies are emphasized. Prerequisites: COMN 103 and COMN 160, and a minimum 3.00 average in the major, or perjmission of instructor. Offered every other year Credits: 3

COMN 379 : Communication:Integrated Appl

This course provides students the chance to make a clear connection between the communication concepts they have learned in their classes and their future personal and professional life. In doing so, students will look back to review and discuss key concepts, look inward to see how these concepts impact their own lives and look forward to make explicit connections to their anticipated future. Concurrently, students willl engage in a self-reflective process in preparation for a professional career. Students will exhibit this reflective experience primarily through the development of a final professional portfolio. Other communication and life skills will be discussed and refined during the course of the semester. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and at least 24 completed credit hours in the major or permission of the instructor. Credits: 3(3-0). Offered every other year Credits: 3

COMN 380 : Communication Research

This course provides an overview of the major trends in contemporary communication research. Areas of focus include quantitative and qualitative methods for researching communication problems in interpersonal and organizational contexts. Prerequisites: junior or senior standing, COMN 103 and COMN 160, and a minimum 3.00 average in the major, or permission of instructor. Offered not on a regular basis Credits: 3

COMN 388 : Experimental:

Credits: 0-3

COMN 391 : Seminar:Issues-Communication

This course is a seminar focusing on a topic or related group of topics relevant to personal and professional communication, journalism and media, or intercultural and critical studies of communication. The seminar will incorporate in-class discussion of relevant theory and topical issues as well as independent research related to the selected topics(s). May be taken up to two times but only under different subtitles. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing. Offered every year Credits: 3

COMN 395 : Internship in Communication

Students are selected on the basis of special qualifications and are assigned as interns with organizations in mass media, business, government, and other pertinent settings. Enrollment is subject to the availability of openings. Open to juniors and seniors in Communication with an overall average of 2.75 and 3.0 in other selected courses appropriate to a particular internship. May be repeated for credit, but students may apply no more than 15 semester hours of internship credit toward the baccalaureate degree. Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor. Up to 3 hours of internship credit may be applied to the required 12 hours of coursework at the 300-level in the major. Offered by individual arrangement Credits: 1-15

COMN 399 : Directed Study

With faculty approval, may be arranged through advanced levels. Students work individually under the supervision of a faculty member on a research-oriented project. Credits: 1-6. Offered by individual arrangement Credits: 1-6

INTD 205 : Business Communications

Effective communication is a key skill in today's business world. This course aims to provide students with the basic skills and knowledge required for effective business communication. Students will develop competency in oral, written, and interpersonal communication relevant to business and professional organizations. Prerequisites: INTD 105. Restricted to School of Business majors. Credits: 3